New politically motivated arrests, sentences across Belarus

June 15, BPN. Iryna Jaŭmianenka, a travel agency owner, was sentenced on June 10 to three years of restricted freedom in an open-type correctional facility for gross violations of public order in connection with protests in the wake of the 2020 presidential election, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported.

She was released in the courtroom pending her transfer to a correctional facility after spending almost four months in a pre-trial detention center.

People sentenced to restricted freedom with referral to an open-type correctional facility live in barracks and are required to find a job in the location. They are allowed to leave the facility for work only.

On the same day, Judge Alena Šyłko sentenced Ivan Čaravaka to four years in prison for insulting Alaksandr Łukašenka and inciting hatred.

On June 13, Judge Taććana Pirožnikava of the Maskoŭski District Court in Minsk sentenced Ihar Kraučanka, accused of participating in the 2020 post-election protests in Minsk, to three years of restricted freedom without referral to a correctional facility.

People sentenced to restricted freedom without referral to an open-type correctional facility are confined to their residence during non-working hours and are required to retain or seek employment. Law enforcement officers can visit their home or place of employment anytime to make sure they comply with the terms of confinement.

On June 15, political activist Uładzimir Šulžycki was arrested in Smarhoń, Hrodna region. The charges against him and his whereabouts are unknown.

On June 13, police arrested history teacher Alena Zubrova from Navapołack, Viciebsk region. She was sentenced to 15 days in jail for reposting Radio Svaboda’s article about the death of Stanisłaŭ Šuškievič, the first leader of independent Belarus. In December 2021, the authorities declared Radio Svaboda an extremist group.

Maksim Sabaloŭ, 25, was arrested in Viciebsk for administering a chat created back in 2020. He faces criminal charges while the case is still under investigation.